SU2995 : Laying on its side

Faringdon Hill [Folly Hill]

153m Elevation
46m Prominence
England Country
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SU2995 : Laying on its side

Bill Nicholls Photo source

Overview

Faringdon Hill [Folly Hill] Overview

Faringdon Hill, affectionately known as Folly Hill, is a delightful spot for outdoor enthusiasts in the heart of Oxfordshire. With an elevation of 150 meters, this charming hill offers not only a significant viewpoint but also a touch of historical flair with its iconic folly.

Geology

The geology here is quite intriguing, predominantly composed of Oxford Clay. The various shades and textures found here weave a beautiful tapestry against the backdrop of the sprawling countryside. Limestone outcrops can also be spotted, providing a delightful contrast for those inclined to explore the rocky terrains.

Access and Parking

Getting to Faringdon Hill is a cinch! Parking is available at Faringdon Community College, which is about a 10-minute stroll to the hill. If public transport is more your style, Faringdon is on several bus routes connecting it to Oxford and Swindon, making it easily accessible for day trippers.

The Route

A highly recommended route is the Circular Trail from Faringdon. This easy-paced walk of approximately 4.5 km takes you through lush woodlands and picturesque fields. Don't forget your camera, as there are plenty of spots to capture nature's beauty!

Views

Once you reach the summit, prepare to be wowed! The views stretch across the picturesque landscapes of the Cotswolds and beyond. The best time to visit for stunning vistas? Spring and Autumn, when the scenery is awash with vibrant colours!

Facilities

Post-hike, why not treat yourself? Faringdon has a smorgasbord of delightful cafes and pubs. 'The Bell' is a must-visit for a hearty meal or a refreshing drink. Just remember to check for public restrooms around the town, particularly before setting off on your adventure.

Summary

In essence, Faringdon Hill is not just a spot to stretch your legs, but an experience filled with history, beauty, and community spirit. Remember, walk safe, explore responsibly, and most importantly, enjoy every moment.

Happy hiking!

Explore routes near Faringdon Hill [Folly Hill]

Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.

Chiseldon to Barbury Shooting School Circular Walk

13.6 km ~2h 43m Easy

View route

Donkey Walk

7.9 km ~1h 34m Easy

View route

Bourton-on-the-Water and Wyck Rissington: Greystones and three rivers

8.7 km ~2h 45m Easy

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Cirencester Walk with Men Walking & Talking

View route

Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.

Circular Trail from Faringdon

A scenic circular route that provides an excellent overview of Faringdon Hill, taking you through beautiful woodlands and open fields.

4.5 km ~1.5 hours Easy
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

100-199m hill

Elevation

153m

502 ft

Prominence

46m

Coordinates

51.6590, -1.5713

SU297956

OS Map

164

Explorer: 170W

At the Summit

The summit is crowned with a historic folly, a charming structure reminiscent of times past, and features a few well-placed benches to rest your weary legs while you take in the glorious views.

Terrain & Geology

Grassy with some wooded areas and gentle slopes.

Faringdon Hill features predominantly Oxford Clay, which is known for its fine-grained, bluish-grey colour and is quite prevalent in the region. The hill also has some sections of limestone, providing a rather lovely contrast in textures and colours.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, you can spot the rolling landscapes of the Cotswolds, the town of Faringdon below, and on exceptionally clear days, even the spires of Oxford's universities can be seen in the distance.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Faringdon' comes from the Old English 'Ferendun', which means 'hill of the people'. Quite fitting, as many folks flock here, not just for the views but for a jolly good time.

Historical Significance

Historically, Faringdon Hill was a beacon site, with its folly historically serving as a viewpoint and a marker for navigation for those traversing the countryside.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is limited parking available at Faringdon Community College, located just a 10-minute walk from the hill's base.

Public Transport

Faringdon is well served by bus routes from Oxford, Swindon, and surrounding towns, with services running regularly throughout the day.

Nearby Facilities

Faringdon boasts several cafes and pubs, including the famous 'The Bell' pub, perfect for a post-walk pint, as well as public restrooms located at various points in the town.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Beware of uneven ground and occasional muddy patches, particularly after rainfall. The area is also popular with cyclists, so be alert!

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Faringdon Hill [Folly Hill]?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Faringdon Hill [Folly Hill] through the maps

Are there other walkers around Faringdon Hill [Folly Hill]?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Faringdon Hill [Folly Hill] search or of course create your own walk for Faringdon Hill [Folly Hill]

Can I organise a walk to Faringdon Hill [Folly Hill]?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Faringdon Hill [Folly Hill].

How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up Faringdon Hill [Folly Hill]?

Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.

Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Faringdon Hill [Folly Hill] here

The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?

We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible

Location

Faringdon Hill [Folly Hill] location map

Grid reference: SU297956

View on OpenStreetMap

Opens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.

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